Water saving urinal

ABSTRACT

A water-saving urinal apparatus in which at least one component is attachable to a conventional flush toilet is provided. In one of the preferred embodiments, the water-saving urinal apparatus includes a bowl which has a basin-like curvature, a top portion, and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion comprises a top opening, at least one water intake, and a connector, wherein the bottom portion comprises a bottom opening, at least one drain pipe and at least one support element.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of water saving urinal apparatus (“WSUA”). More particularly, the invention relates to the WSUA in which at least one component of the urinal apparatus is easily attachable to a conventional flush toilet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays, water is in short supply worldwide as the world's population and a large number of industries constantly grow. The water shortage is estimated to be a global problem in the near future according to the ecology researches. Leaving a smaller ecological foot-print and protecting the environment by conserving water is becoming a priority in many countries.

A flush toilet is one of the most well-known indoor systems to discard human waste by using water. Although the flush toilets are designed to discard the human waste cleanly, most of the existing designs are not created with the outmost water conservation in mind. As the world's population have exceeded seven billion people in 2011, the amount of water used by people daily to discard human waste accounts for a substantial portion of the daily water consumption worldwide. Furthermore, the majority of the water used daily to discard human waste is used to discard urine, where the existing flush toilet designs use, on average, thirty liters of water to discard less than one liter of urine. Accordingly, a need for ecologically-efficient and environment-conscious water-saving urinal apparatus is becoming a single most important ecological issue in conserving world's water supply. The present invention is directed to solve the stated ecological problem.

The object of the present invention is to provide a urinal apparatus which: i) is capable of substantially reducing consumption of water used to discard by-products of human body, namely human urine, and ii) convenience in upgrading existing conventional flush toilet systems. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a water-saving urinal apparatus adapted to be connected to any conventional flush toilet system. The WSUA of the present invention includes a relatively slim bowl (e.g., about 10 cm height) having an inclined inner structure that downwards towards its distal end, a top opening, an optional bottom opening equipped with an optional filter and a closure mechanism, at least one drain pipe, connecting means and optionally a seat that is provided on the top opening to accommodate a female user of the water-saving urinal apparatus.

As aforementioned, the bowl has an inclined basin-like structure, a top portion, and a bottom portion. The top opening is provided at the top portion of the bowl. The optional bottom drain opening is provided at the bottom portion of the bowl. The drain pipe extends from the distal end. The connecting means, provided at the distal end of the urinal, is for connecting the urinal to the flush toilet system.

The WSUA may further comprise at least one nozzle provided at the inside edge of the urinal. The WSUA may further include a water intake connected to the at least one nozzle and a flush lever for controlling the flow of water to the water intake, wherein the other end of the water intake is connected to a water system.

The WSUA is adapted to be connected directly to a sewer system via the at least one drain pipe. In another embodiment, the WSUA may be connected to the sewer system via a conventional flush toilet system.

In one of the embodiments, the WSUA may be directly connected to at least one water supply system.

In yet another embodiment, the WSUA may comprise a dedicated water tank.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A schematically illustrates a cross sectional front view of the WSUA, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B schematically illustrates a cross sectional side view of the WSUA, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a side view of the WSUA attached to a typical toilet system; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Throughout this description the term “flush toilet” is used to indicate a conventional system adapted to discard human waste. This term does not imply any particular shape, construction material or geometry, and invention is applicable to fit any suitable toilet. For example, such as a typical flush toilet system having 1) a flush toilet having a top opening, a concave water pan, a bottom drain opening, and a water intake; 2) a first water tank connected to the water intake of the flush toilet; and 3) a first flush system having flush flipper, a manual handle, and a main drain pipe connected to the bottom drain opening of the flush toilet for flushing out waste-containing water in the concave water pan of the flush toilet.

The advantages of the present invention are: (1) a substantial conservation of water in comparison with contemporary models of flush toilets; and (2) ease in installation of the WSUA.

Reference will now be made to several embodiments of the present invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures. Wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality.

The figures depict embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the invention described herein.

FIG. 1A shows a cross-sectional front view of the WSUA, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The WSUA is adapted to be connected to almost any type of flush toilet system (e.g., the toilet system 10 shown in FIG. 4).

The WSUA comprises a bowl 2, a top opening 3 within the top portion 21, a bottom drain opening 4 within the bottom portion 22, a support element 8 for supporting the WSUA on top of the conventional flush toilet, at least one water intake 6, and a support element 8 connected to the top portion 21 and extending downward. The basin-like curvature (a U-like shape that inclined along the length) of the bowl 2 allows consumption of a small (300-500 milliliter per use) quantity of water to adequately discard the urine residue from the entire inner surface of the bowl 2. Also, the uniquely-designed shape of the bowl 2 is adopted to prevent drops of urine from escaping the inner space of the bowl 2 regardless of whether the WSUA is used by a male or a female. In other words, the inner surfaces of the bowl 2 are configured in such a concave manner that drops of fluids remain within the inner space of the bowl 2.

FIG. 1B shows a cross-sectional side view of the WSUA, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bowl 2 has an inclined basin-like shape and comprises a top portion 21 and a bottom portion 22. The top portion 21 of the bowl 2 comprises a top opening 3 and connecting means 7, provided at the distal end of the bowl 2, for connecting the WSUA to the conventional flush toilet of FIG. 4. The bottom portion 22 of the bowl 2 comprises a bottom drain opening 4, at least one drain pipe 5, at least one water intake 6, and support element 8 for supporting the WSUA on top of the conventional flush toilet. The support element 8 is attached to the top portion 21 and extends from said top portion 21 downward.

The bottom drain opening 4 may comprise a filter-like element (e.g., in form of mesh or net). In another embodiment, the bottom drain opening 4 may also be covered by a corresponding closure element (not shown). The bottom drain opening 4 can be opened or closed upon demand by a suitable closure element (e.g., a cover). The opening of such suitable closure mechanism may be controlled by a lever mechanism (not shown) to discard the incidental non-fluid residue such as used toilet paper or other human body secretions.

The drain pipe 5 extends from the bottom portion 22 of the bowl 2 and can be connected directly to the main drain pipe of the sewer system or to any other draining mechanism.

FIG. 1B depicts an embodiment where the drain pipe 5 is located on a rear side of the bottom portion 22 of the bowl 2. One skilled in the art may appreciate that the drain pipe 5 may be located on any side of the bottom portion 22 of the bowl 2. Also, one skilled in the art may appreciate that the bowl 2 may comprise more than one drain pipe 5.

FIG. 1B depicts an embodiment where the at least one water intake 6 is located on a front side of the bowl 2. One skilled in the art may appreciate that the at least one water intake 6 may be located on any side of the bowl 2. Also, one skilled in the art can appreciate that the support element 8 may be of any shape to accommodate the adequate support and leverage of the WSUA when it is situated upon the conventional flush toilet system. Further, one skilled in the art can appreciate that the support element 8 may be adopted to adjust the height and an angle of the WSUA to accommodate the users' comfort demand.

The connecting means 7 for connecting the WSUA to the conventional flush toilet system may also operate as a swivel to ensure convenient change of position of the WSUA from its operational (essentially horizontal) position to its “stored” (essentially vertical) position. One skilled in the art can appreciate that the WSUA may be completely detached from the conventional flush toilet system then it is not in use.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the WSUA is shown attached to the conventional flush toilet system. Specifically, the WSUA is shown attached on top portion of the bowl 15 of the conventional flush toilet system.

FIG. 2 further presents an optional top cover 17 for covering the system when it remains in the lowered position but not in use, said optional cover 17 operates in a flip manner similar to top covers of regular toilets. As discussed above, the WSUA, as depicted on FIG. 2, comprises the support element 8 for supporting the WSUA on top of the conventional flush toilet and connecting means 7, provided at the distal end of the bowl 2, for connecting the WSUA to the conventional flush toilet. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting means 7 also serve as a point of attachment of the optional top cover 17 to the WSUA.

One skilled in the art can appreciate that the WSUA may also be combined with a well-known bidet system, a bottom washer and the like. One skilled in the art can also appreciate that the size of the WSUA is adopted to fit and match the size of any common toilet seat.

The terms, “for example”, “e.g.”, “optionally”, as used herein, are intended to be used to introduce non-limiting examples. While certain references are made to certain example system components or services, other components and services can be used as well and/or the example components can be combined into fewer components and/or divided into further components.

It should be understood that the above description of the preferred embodiments, alternative embodiments, and specific examples, are given by way of illustration and should not be viewed as limiting. Further, many changes and modifications within the scope of the present embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes such changes and modifications. For example, the present invention is not limited to the portable systems used by individuals in the comfort of their homes as described hereinbefore, and those skilled in the art will understand that the WSUA also be used in various public facilities.

The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention. 

1. An apparatus adapted to be connected to a flush toilet system, comprising: a bowl having a basin-like curvature, a top portion, and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion comprises a top opening, at least one water intake, and a connector, wherein the bottom portion comprises a bottom opening and at least one drain pipe; and at least one support element.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bowl having an inner surface configured to have U-shaped curvature.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one support element is attached to the top portion and extends downwards.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one support element comprising a height-adjusting mechanism.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a seat situated on the top portion.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a water receptacle.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one water intake is connected at one terminal end to at least one nozzle, wherein the at least one nozzle is positioned on the inner surface of the bowl and wherein the at least one nozzle is adopted to eject water to irrigate the inner surface of the bowl.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one nozzle is adapted to set direction of water flow towards at least one segment of the inner surface of the bowl.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the direction of water flow set by the at least one nozzle differs from the direction of water flow set by the at least one other nozzle.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to generate at least one of the following types of water flow: soaking, rinsing, squirting, and a water flow utilizing the communication vessel law.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to generate a type of water flow that is identical to the type of the water flow generated by the at least one other nozzle.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to generate a type of water flow that is different from the type of the water flow generated by the at least one other nozzle.
 13. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the at least one water intake is connected at one other terminal end to the water receptacle.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one drain pipe extends outward from a distal end of the bowl.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one drain pipe connects the bowl with a sewer line.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to physically couple the apparatus with the flush toilet system.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom opening comprises a filter.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the filter is controlled by a lever mechanism.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom opening comprises a closure element.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the closure element is controlled by a lever mechanism.
 21. An apparatus adapted to be connected to a flush toilet system, comprising: a bowl comprising a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion comprises a top opening, at least one water intake, at least one nozzle, wherein the at least one nozzle is adopted to eject water to irrigate the inner surface of the top portion, and at least one connector, and wherein the bottom portion comprises a bottom opening, at least one nozzle, wherein the at least one nozzle is adopted to eject water to irrigate the inner surface of the bottom portion, and at least one drain pipe.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the bowl having a basin-like shape and wherein the bowl having an inner surface configured to have U-shaped curvature.
 23. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising at least one support element.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the at least one support element comprising a height-adjusting mechanism.
 25. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a seat situated on the top portion.
 26. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising a water receptacle.
 27. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least one nozzle is attached to the at least one water intake at one terminal end of the at least one water intake, wherein the at least one nozzle is positioned on the inner surface of the bowl.
 28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the at least one nozzle is adapted to set direction of water flow towards at least one segment of the inner surface of the bowl.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the direction of water flow set by the at least one nozzle differs from the direction of water flow set by the at least one other nozzle.
 30. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to generate at least one of the following types of water flow: soaking, rinsing, squirting, and a water flow utilizing the communication vessel law.
 31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to generate a type of water flow that is identical to the type of the water flow generated by the at least one other nozzle.
 32. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the at least one nozzle is configured to generate a type of water flow that is different from the type of the water flow generated by the at least one other nozzle.
 33. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the at least one water intake is connected at one other terminal end to the water receptacle.
 34. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the at least one drain pipe extends outward from a distal end of the bowl.
 35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the at least one drain pipe connects the bowl with a sewer line.
 36. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the connector is configured to physically couple the apparatus with the flush toilet system.
 37. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the bottom opening comprises a filter.
 38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the filter is controlled by a lever mechanism.
 39. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the bottom opening comprises a closure element.
 40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the closure element is controlled by a lever mechanism. 